Originally constructed in 1891 and located in the city’s downtown eastside, Lord Strathcona is one of the oldest continuously operating schools in BC. It is the only elementary school in the area and has legal heritage designation from the City of Vancouver.

The first of the three seismically safe buildings opened to over 200 students yesterday. Not only is the new building compliant with current building code performance requirements, it’s been transformed into a bright, open and welcoming space. It also has some much needed improvements for accessibility.

As one parent commented, “MLA Sam Sullivan (came) to visit Lord Strathcona (but) was not able to enter because it was not accessible to those in a wheelchair or even a parent with a child in a stroller. Today, the lower part of the building is accessible. Soon the school will be fully accessible to all!”

When complete, the structurally upgraded school will accommodate up to 510 students, including 60 kindergarten students and 450 grades 1-7 students, and will include additional space for a Neighbourhood Learning Centre to serve the school and area residents with the Lord Strathcona Community Centre.

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That the East False Creek area has been the main location for so many of these temporary housing units, there is much discussion that other areas on Vancouver should also be open to this kind of housing.